Apparatus for classifying sheet-like material

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for classifying a sheet-like written piece in the designated pocket corresponding to the classification code indicated on the surface of the written piece selected from among the pockets provided on a written material passageway, which comprises a device for supplying data designating the pocket to which the written piece is to be distributed; a device for furnishing data on the current position of the written piece when it passes during transit on the passageway through one of a plurality of detectors provided thereon; a counting device for counting the length of time required for the written piece to cover a distance between the adjacent ones of said detectors; a memory device consisting of at least as many storing sections as written pieces jointly traveling on the passageway at a given time, each of said sections being stored with data designating the pocket in which the written piece is to be received, data on the current position of the written piece and a counted time required for the written piece to cover a distance between any two adjacent ones of the plural detectors; a data-replacing device for successively replacing data on the current position of the written piece while traveling on the passageway and, when a prescribed relationship is detected to exist between the pocketdesignating data and data on any current position of the written piece, guiding the written piece into the designated pocket; and a device for taking proper measures to cope with the abnormal condition when a signal denoting an excess time count over a prescribed level is detected.

United States Patent n9 Mori et a1.

1 1 Feb. 4, 1975 1 APPARATUS FOR CLASSIFYING SHEET-LIKE MATERIAL [75]Inventors: Kenichi Mari, Yokohama; Naoto Nakayama; Takeshi Osawa, bothof Tokyo, all of Japan Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co., Ltd., Kawasaki-shi,Japan 22 Filed: Dec.2l, 1913 21 Appl.No.:427,239

[73] Assignee:

[52] US. Cl. 235/1512, 235/6l.11E, 214/1 PE [51] Int. Cl G061t 9/00,G06f 15/48 [58] Field of Search..... 235/151.32, 151.3, 61.11 E,

235/1512; 214/1 PE, 11 C Primary Examiner-Felix D. Gruber AssistantExaminer-Edward .1. Wise Attorney, Agent, or FirmOblon, Fisher, Spivak,McClelland & Maier [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for classifying asheet-like written piece in the designated pocket corresponding to theclassification code indicated on the surface of the written pieceselected from among the pockets provided on a written materialpassageway, which comprises a device for supplying data designating thepocket to which the written piece is to be distributed; a device forfurnishing data on the current position of the written piece when itpasses during transit on the passageway through one of a plurality ofdetectors provided thereon; a counting device for counting the length oftime required for the written piece to cover a distance between theadjacent ones of said detectors; a memory device consisting of at leastas many storing sections as written pieces jointly traveling on thepassageway at a given time, each of said sections being stored with datadesignating the pocket in which the written piece is to be received,data on the current position of the written piece and a counted timerequired for the written piece to cover a distance between any twoadjacent ones of the plural detectors; a data-replacing device forsuccessively replacing data on the current position of the written piecewhile traveling on the passageway and, when a prescribed relationship isdetected to exist between the pocket-designating data and data on anycurrent position of the written piece, guiding the written piece intothe designated pocket; and a device for taking proper measures to copewith the abnormal condition when a signal denoting an excess time countover a prescribed level is detected.

5 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures oops TRANSPORTATION 356 AMPLIFIER SIGNAL C Nconvearm? MEMORY 3 g, 5 6 13 CURRENT POSITION SHIFT CODE 5mm CODE SIGNALooNT COMPARATOR GENERATOR cIRcurT 1 1L! GATE DRlVlNG CIRCUIT P/JENTEDFEB SHEET N [If I FIG. 38

CURRENT POSITION-{0N1 -3sb NEXT POSITION ON ---440 L u R 0E b C 3C 3 m mfig 0 I00 .IO 0 I 2% SEW SR 8 S 5 Q7 2 1 4 4 4 x q l 5 7 O Hal h wk 5 aM I? fi m5 ET U BEBE RN T8 m E E @954 8 508mm 5R 2; C d 0 T R w as E 1|!M N |||l| U W Iii m C ill E E M M I! T T PATENTED 41975 READ ouT A CREGISTER (28) BY ADDRESS couNTER (3o) SHEET 5 OF 7 DESIGNATING POSITIONCODE wRITE IN 28 BUSY POCKET- DESIGNATING CODE (WA 34) CURRENT POSITIONCODE (AT PI) TIME COUNT --0 FIG. 4A

POCKE T- CURRENT CODE REwRITE INFORMATION READ OUT FROM (28) ADDRESSCOUNTE (30) I PQCKET- DESlGNATING CODE REJECT CODE PATENTED 4W5 SHEEI 8BF 7 F l (3. 4B

T zTzmEzn COUNTER REsET F.F(53) 'r CLEAR REWRITE CURRENT ALL INFOR-INFOR- POSITION MATION MATION CODE IN (28) READ OUT NEXT POSITIONFROM(28) CODE TIME COUNT APPARATUS FOR CLASSIFYING SHEET-LIKE MATERIALThis invention relates to an apparatus for automatically classifyingsheet-like written material. for example. mail matter such as envelopedwriting and post cards in the designated pockets according to theclassification codes indicated on the surface of the written material.

It is demanded quickly to classify written material, for example, notonly mail matter such as enveloped writing and post cards but alsodocuments. bills, notes and any other forms of writing used in orhandled by financial corporations including banks. securities companies,insurance companies, etc. The abovementioned written material (forconvenience of description. hereinafter represented by post cards.though not limited thereto) has been automatically classified by oneofthe following two processes. The first process consists in providing aplurality of card-receiving pockets along a passageway; fitting a devicefor reading out the classification code appearing on the surface of apost card to the inlet of each pocket; deciding whether or not aparticular card should be received in a given pocket from data on theclassification code indicated on the surface of the card. therebyreceiving in the pocket only the card whose classification codecoincides with the code previously allotted to said pocket; in case ofnoncoincidence between both data. forwarding an unmatchable post card toany succeeding pocket; reading out the classification code of saidunmatchable post card again at said succeeding pocket; and carrying outthe same decision as described above. The readout devices provided forthe first process in a number equal to that of pockets should be of suchsimple construction as can only read out a classification code punchedin a card. indicating that the first process is unadapted for the highspeed classification of cards.

According to the second process, the classification code of a card isread out before it is delivered to a passageway and the readout data onsaid classification code is converted into a code signal designating thepocket to which the card is to be destined for classification. Thepocket-designating code signal is stored in a shift register, where thecode signal is shifted, as the card moves on. When the card is broughtto a prescribed point, the code signal shifted at this time is examinedby a decoding network. An output signal from the decoding network opensthe magnetic gate of the designated pocket to receive the card therein.With this second process. not only flip-flop circuits have to beprovided in a number equal to the detectors for detecting the currentposition of a traveling card, but also shift registers should beconsiderably increased in number. when more pockets are required. Where,therefore, numerous pockets should be provided as in classifying postcards. shift registers also have to be used in a tremendous number,rendering the classifying machine complicated and bulky. Moreover, theflip-flop circuits constituting the registers are utilized only in avery low frequency.

It is of vital importance that classification of post cards is free fromany error. To this end. transportation of post cards should always bewatched to maintain it in a normal condition. To date. however, nosatisfactory watching device has been developed.

It is accordingly the object of this invention to provide an apparatusof simple construction capable of quick, reliable classification ofsheet-like written pieces which comprises reading out the classificationcodes indicated on the surface of the written pieces by a single readoutdevice. storing the current position of the written pieces duringtransit in a small number of storing sections constituting a memorydevice. thereby eliminating the necessity of using a shift register anddetecting any abnormal feeding of the written pieces for prevention oferroneous classification thereof.

The apparatus of this invention wherein a series of sheet-like writtenpieces are carried one by one on a passageway. the passageway isprovided with a plurality of pockets. and a particular written piece isreceived in the pocket whose allotted code coincides with theclassification code of the written piece is characterized in that itcomprises means for reading out the classification code of a writtenpiece and supplying data designating the pocket in which the writtenpiece is to be received; means for supplying data on the currentposition of a traveling written piece which means comprises a pluralityof detectors disposed along the passageway and including thosecorresponding to each ofthe pockets and supplies the current positiondata when the traveling written piece passes through the detectors; atime-counting device for counting a length of time required for atransported written piece to cover a distance between any two adjacentdetectors; a memory device including at least as many storing sectionsas a plurality of written pieces jointly traveling on the passageway ata given time, each of said storing sections being stored with datadesignating a pocket associated with a traveling written piece, data onthe current position thereofand data on a length oftime counted by thetime-counting device; means for replacing the preceding time count ofthetime-counting device stored in the storing section by another time countfreshly obtained thereby as a traveling written piece passes through adistance between any two succeeding adjacent detectors; means fordetecting whether the time count stored in the storing section lieswithin a prescribed range and. in that case, replacing data on the firstcurrent position of a written piece already stored in the storingsection by data on the second current position of the written piececorresponding to a detector following that associated with the firstcurrent position of the written piece; means for comparing thepocket-designating data with data on the second current position of thewritten piece and, when a predetermined coincidence is detected to existbetween both data, receiving the written piece in the designated pocket;and means for detecting whether a time count stored in the storingsection lies outside of a prescribed range and. in that case. takingproper measures to cope with the abnormal condition in which a writtenpiece was transported on the passageway.

According to this invention, the current position of each of a pluralityof written pieces. for example, post cards jointly traveling on thepassageway at a given time is stored in one of a small number of storingsections constituting a memory device. After a particular card isreceived in the designated pocket. all data stored in the storingsection associated with said card is cleared ready to be used withanother traveling card. Namely. each storing section of a memory deviceis used very frequently. The number of storing sections is determinedsimply by that of cards jointly traveling on the passageway at a giventime, and does not increase.

even if pockets are provided in a larger number. Therefore, the writtenpiece classifying apparatus of this invention is of far simplerconstruction than the prior art apparatus wherein more shift registershave to be provided with an increasing number of pockets, thusdisplaying a prominent effect when applied in the classification of. forexample, post cards.

Other prominent features of this invention are that counted lengths oftime required for a written piece to travel through a distance betweenany two adjacent ones of detectors in succession are recorded in thestoring section; a written piece is classified only when the countedlength of time consumed by the written piece in covering a distancebetween given two adjacent detectors lies within a prescribed range;where the counted length of such time falls outside of said range, thenthe written piece is decided to have been transported on the passagewayunder an abnormal condition; the written piece is thrown into a rejectpocket; or an alarm is given to notify the abnormal traveling conditionof the written piece or the classifying machine is brought to rest. Theabove-mentioned features display a prominent effect in an apparatus forclassifying sheetlike written pieces which should always be safe fromany wrong classification.

Readout data on a classification code indicated on the surface of, forexample, a post card may be used intact as pocket designating data orapplied as such after converted into a proper code signal. Similarly,detection signals obtained by detecting the successive current positionsof a post card at a plurality of detectors may be used intact toindicate said current positions or applied for the same purpose afterconverted into proper code signals.

This invention can be more fully understood from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunc tion with the accompanying drawings,in which:

FIG. l schematically illustrates the arrangement of the apparatus ofthis invention for classifying sheet-like written material;

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a control circuit for controllingthe transportation of a series of written pieces one by one on thepassageway;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are detailed circuit diagrams of the control circuit ofP10. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow charts showing the sequential steps by whichthe control circuit of FIGS. 3A and 3B is operated;

FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram of the conversion circuit of FIG. 2for converting a classification code indicated on the surface of awritten piece into a proper code signal; and

FIG. 6 presents data originally stored in the memory device of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. l and 2, referential numeral 1 denotes a post cardfeeder where a plurality of post cards bearing a classification code(consisting of a plurality of digits in this embodiment) are superposedin a horizontal direction. The classification code of the foremost postcard is statically read out by a readout device 2 consisting of, forexample, an optical pattern recognizing type. Readout data 3 on theclassification code of the post card (FIG. 2) is amplified by anamplifier 4 and conducted to a code converter 5, where readout data onthe classification code is converted into a code signal 6 designatingthe pocket to which the post card is to be destined for classification.The card whose clas- LII sification code was read out is separated by amechanical device (not shown) from the other post cards remaining in thecard feeder l and delivered to a main passageway. It will be noted thatthe readout device is not limited to a static type.

The points P... P F and P... on the main passageway 7 are connected tothe branch passageways D, C, B and A respectively, which are providedwith the groups D. C. ,B. ,and A. .ofcard-receiving pocketsrespectively. The pockets are fitted with gates G G... ,G and G...acting to admit or reject post cards brought thereto. Also provided atthe junctions of the main passageway 7 and the branch passageways D, Cand B are gates G.. G. and 0, This latter group of gates have theiroperation controlled by an output signal from a magnetic gate-drivingcircuit 8. Provided at the terminal ends of the branch passageways A, B,C and D are reject pockets A... B... C and D for receiving the postcards which were not properly guided into the designated pockets. Inthis embodiment, the four branch passageways A, B. C and D are eachprovided with 50 pockets, totaling 200 pockets. Detectors 9 are disposedat the points P. to P... on the main passageway 7, the points P... P...on the branch passageway D, the points P... P... on the branchpassageway C, the points P... P... on the branch passageway B and thepoints P... P... on the branch passageway A. The detectors generate adetection signal 10 when a traveling post card passes therethrough. Thedetector 9 consists of. for example, a photocell 9a for opticallydetecting the passage of a post card.

There will now be described by reference to the block circuit diagram ofthe control circuit of FIG. 2 the manner in which a post card is treatedduring transit. In the post card feeder l, the classification code, forexample, 24] (FIG. 3) is read out by a readout device 2. Readout data 3on the classification code 241 is amplified by an amplifier 4 and thenconducted to a code converter 5, which converts the classification codeinto a code signal 6 designating the pocket to which the post card isdestined for classification. The pocketdesignating code signal 6 isstored in one of a plurality of storing sections 28 (FIG. 3)constituting a memory device 13 for controlling the transportation of apost card. According to this embodiment, the memory device 13 has 32storing sections. When the light path of the photocell 9a of thedetector 9 is obstructed by a card delivered to the passageway afterhaving its classification code read out, a resulting detection signal 10is amplified by an amplifier II and conducted to a quantizing circuit14, where the amplified output signal is quantized. An output signalfrom the quantizing circuit I4 is supplied to a circuit 15 forgenerating a code signal denoting the current position of the post cardduring transit. The current position code signal 16 is stored in thatstoring section where the pocketdesignating code signal is alreadyrecorded. A shift control circuit 17 (FIG. 2) is interposed between thecurrent position code signal generator 15 and the later described codesignal comparator [8 so as to maintain such a relationship as admits ofmutual transfer of signals in the directions of the indicated arrows. Anoutput signal from the shift control circuit 17 is transmitted to theaforesaid section of the memory device 13 for controlling thetransportation of a post card so as to replace the current position codesignal stored therein by fresh data on any succeeding current positionas the card is carried further. The comparator l8 compares thepocket-designating code signal 6 stored in the register when theclassification code of the card was initially read out with a codesignal 16 denoting the current position of the post card which isreplaced each time the post card passes through one detector 9 afteranother. Where coincidence is detected to exist between both codesignals, a gate G is opened by a coincidence signal 19 from thecomparator 18 through a magnetic gate-driving circuit 8, thereby guidingthe post card into the prescribed pocket M corresponding to theinitially set pocket-designating code signal 6. ln case ofnoncoincidence, an unmatchable post card is forwarded to a succeedingdetector 9. At this point, a code signal showing the first currentposition of said unmatchable post card is replaced by fresh data on thesecond current position thereof and comparison is again made betweendata on said second current position and the original pocket-designatingcode signal 6. Though not shown in FIG. 2, the storing section 28 isstored, as later described by reference to FIG. 3, with a counted lengthof time required for the post card to travel through a distance betweenany two adjacent ones of photocells 9a. Data on said counted length oftime is replaced, each time the post card passes through a distancebetween any two adjacent detectors 9. Decision is made from the freshlyreplaced counted length of time as to whether data on a given currentposition of the card should be replaced by data on the succeedingcurrent position thereof, or whether the card should be diverted to asuitable reject pocket or whether the classifying machine should bestopped, thereby preventing the erroneous classification of the postcard.

There will now be described by reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 theclassification code converter 5. A memory device 21 is stored, as shownin FlG. 6, with data on the classification codes, for example, 0x253,334m, 61000 and 28963 for indicating the post cards which should bereceived in the l2th pocket 2nd data on the classification codes, forexample, .rx296, .r765x and 16x24 for indicating the post cards whichshould be destined to the 13th pocket, with said classification codesgiven opposite to the sequential numbers of the pockets. Theabove-mentioned mark denotes any integer ofO to 9. Accordingly, aclassification code represented by 0x253 shows that post cards bearingl0 kinds of classification code ranging from 00253 to 09253 should allbe received in the 12th pocket. From the abovementioned code signals0x253, 334.11, 61000 and 28963, it will be understood that the twelfthpocket will receive post cards being ll2 kinds of classification code inall. This arrangement enables post cards whose destinations areindicated by numerous classification codes to be easily classified in asmall number of pockets. Obviously, it is possible to store a memorydevice with data on the number of one pocket and data on the identicalclassification code of post cards so as to receive only such cards inone pocket.

Referring to FIG. 5, data 3 on the classification code of a post cardread out by the readout device 2 is amplified by the amplifier 4 andtemporarily stored in a classification code register 22 and thereaftersupplied to a scanning control circuit 23 and a classification codesignal comparator 24. Scanning by the scanning control circuit 23 causesthe classification codes of post cards and the sequential numbers of thecorresponding pockets shown in FIG. 6 to be successively written in abuffer register 25 from the memory device 21. Data on the classificationcode of a post card written in the buffer register 25 is transmitted tothe comparater 24 and the corresponding pocket number signal written insaid buffer register 25 is conducted to the pocket designating codesignal generator 511. When scanned by the scanning control circuit 23,the comparator 24 compares data on the post card classification codesupplied from the buffer register 25 with data on said classificationcode delivered from the aforesaid classification code register 22. Whencoincidence is detected to exist between both data on the classificationcode. an output coincidence signal is supplied to the pocket-designatingcode signal generator 50. Data on the pocket number which is transmittedat this time from the buffer register 25 to the pocket-designating codesignal generator 5a is converted into a prescribed pocketdesignatingcode signal 6, which in turn is stored in the memory de vice 13 of HO. 2for controlling the transportation of a post card.

There will now be described by reference to FIG. 3 the operation of thesheet-like written material classifying apparatus of this invention.Referential numeral 28 denotes one of, for example, 32 storing sectionsconstituting the memory device 13 of FIG. 2 for controlling thetransportation of a post card. The storing sections or registers areprovided on the peripheral surface of a rotating drum. Each storingsection 28 is stored with one word consisting of 32 bits and is dividedinto the first to the fourth subsections 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d.

The first memory subsection 28a is stored with a busy signal BU showingwhether or not the storing section or register is already supplied withdata on a traveling card. lfthe busy signal BU is stored in theregister, then it will indicate that the register is already used tocontrol the transportation of a given post card. The storing subsection28b is stored with the pocket-designating code signal 6 of FIG. 2converted from the readout data on the post card classification code 3by the code signal converter 5 through a pocket-designating code signalregister 34.

The storing subsection 286 is stored with a code signal 16 (FIG. 2)denoting the current position of a traveling post card. The storingsubsection 28d is successively stored with data on a counted length oftime re quired for a post card to cover a distance between any twoadjacent detectors. For the object of this invention, the storingsections 28 are chosen to be provided in a number equal to or preferablylarger than that of a plurality of post cards jointly traveling on thepassageqay at a given time.

The thirty-two memory sections 28 are each designated by an addresscounter 30, which is actuated by scanning to read out data stored ineach of the storing sections 28. The scanning cycle takes a time of lmillisecond, while a post card consumes a time of about milliseconds intraveling through distance between any two adjacent detectors 9.

When a timing control signal 310 is supplied to an AND gate circuit 32:,a pocket-designating code registered in the memory subsection 28b istransferred to the pocket-designating code signal register 34 through anAND gate 32c and OR gate 330. When the later described signal 35 isconducted to an AND gate circuit 320, the pocket-designating code signal6 delivered from the code converter 5 is written in the memorysubsection 28b through the AND gate 32, the OR gate 33a and thepocket-designating signal register 34. The time at which said writing ismade, namely, at which the aforesaid signal 35 is generated iscontrolled jointly by three factors, that is. a discrimination flip-flopcircuit 37 which, when the classification code of a post card is readout by the readout device 2, is set by a timing control signal 360supplied from said readout device 2 when the card is read out; a busyflip-flop circuit 40 which is set upon receipt of a nonbusy signalobtained by inverting the busy signal BU already recorded in the memorysubsection 28:: by an inverter 39; and the later described inputpoint-ON signal 360. The abovementioned signal 35 denotes an outputcoincidence signal from an AND circuit 4] when coincidence takes placeamong an output signal from the discrimination flip-flop circuit 37, anoutput signal from the busy flipflop circuit 40 and the input-ON signal36c. This coincidence signal 35 immediately resets both flip-flopcircuits 37 and 40. The above-mentioned input-ON signal is hereindefined to mean signal generated when a written piece, for example. apost card passes through the initial detector P. provided on the mainpassageway. There is further provided a reject code signal generator 42for generating a reject code signal to guide that card to any of thereject pockets A B C and R which happened to have its classificationcode missed from reading or whose traveling condition was judgedabnormal from the later described time count. This reject code signal istemporarily stored in the pocketdesignating code signal register 34through the AND gate circuit 32b and OR gate circuit 33a and thereafterwritten in the storing subsection 28b.

The current position code signal stored in the memory subsection 28c iswritten in the current position code signal register 43 upon scanning bythe shift control circuit l7 of HO. 2. When the later described nextposition -N signal 440 is produced, the current position code signalfrom the current position code signal register 43 is conducted to anext-position code signal generator 46 through an AND gate circuit 45.As used herein, the current position-ON signal 36b is defined to mean asignal given forth when the post card having a code signal denoting itscurrent position already written in the memory subsection or register28c passes through the photocell 9a of the detector 9 corresponding tosaid current position. The next position-ON signal 44a is defined tomean a signal generated during the period in which the post card havinga code signal denoting its current position already stored begins tocross another photocell 9a of a detector 9 following that correspondingto its current position.

The already stored code signal denoting said current position of thepost card is read out by the current position code signal register 43,and a code signal showing the second current position of the post carddelivered from the next position code signal generator 46 is written asa signal denoting the fresh current position of the post card in thestoring subsection 28c through an OR circuit 47. An output signal fromthe next position code signal generator 46 which generates a signaldenoting the position ofa post card corresponding to that of thesucceeding detector is written in the memory subsection or register 28cthrough the OR circuit 47 to indicate the fresh current position of thepost card. For convenience of description, the current code signaldenoting the current position of the post card to be freshly written ishereinafter referred to as "a second current position code signal." andthe current code signal showing the preceding current position of thepost card which was already stored in the register ready to to bereplaced by another similar current code signal is referred to as afirst current position code signal."

When a signal 44b other than the next position-0N signal 44a is suppliedto an AND gate circuit 48, then the first current position code signalstored in the register 43 is written intact in the storing subsection28: through the AND gate 48 and OR circuit 47. A second current positionsignal code delivered from the OR circuit 47 is transferred to the codesignal comparator I8 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to be compared with the pocketdesignating code signal supplied from the register 34. According to theresult of said comparison, a coincidence signal 49a (corresponding tothe signal [9 of FIG. 2) or a noncoincidence signal 4% is generated. Thecoincidence signal 49a is used to open a gate G (FIG. 2) correspondingto the pocket designated by the pocketdesignating code signal stored inthe storing subsection 28b. The noncoincidence signal 49b is applied inre placing the first current position code signal written in the storingsubsection 28c by a fresh second current position code signal. A currentposition code signal stored in the storing subsection 280 or a nextposition code signal generated by the next position code signalgenerator 46 is conducted to a decoding circuit 50 to be converted intoa proper decoded signal 51. This decoded signal 51 is transmitted to theset terminal S of a flipfiop circuit 53 through one input terminal of anAND gate circuit 52, to the reset terminal R of said flip-flop circuit53 through one input terminal of an AND gate circuit 54, and to acircuit 56 consisting of a group of gate circuits for producing thecurrent position-ON signal 36b and next position-ON signal 44a throughone input terminal of an AND gate circuit 55. Though only four flip-flopcircuits 53 are indicated in FIG. 3, as many flip-flop circuits 53 asthe detectors 9 are provided in practical application. The other inputterminal of the AND gate circuit 52 is supplied with an output signal 13from the later described time comparator 58. The other input terminal ofthe AND gate circuit 54 is supplied with an output signal 14 from saidcomparator 58 and the other input terminal of the AND gate is suppliedwith a detection signal 59 (an amplified output signal from theamplifier ll of FIG. 2). A time count stored in the storing subsection28d is rewritten into a fresh time count by the scanning operation of acontrol circuit whose flow chart is shown in FIG. 4. The time count istemporarily stored in a time counter 60. A time count indicated by thetime counter 60 is replaced by a new time count by the action of set andreset signals, each time a time count is read out from the storingsubsection 28d. A fresh time count reckoned by the time counter 60 isagain written in said storing subsection 28d. Time counts are made by aseries of the abovementioned operations. Output signals denoting timecounts from the counter 60 are transferred to a time comparator 58 wherevarious time counts obtained are compared with the prescribedreferential lengths of time T to T thus generating output coincidencesignals :1 to 15, if coincidence is detected by comparison to existbetween the referential data and obtained data. Though later detailed byreference to FIG. 4. T, T denotes the range of the referential timelength required for a post card to travel through a distance between anytwo adjacent detectors under a normal con dition. T shows a referentiallength of time normally consumed until a prescribed gate is opened afterdetection of coincidence between the code signals denoting thedesignated pocket and second current positions of a post card. T. isreferential length of time required until said gate is closed. T,-, is areferential length of time from which the abnormal traveling conditionof a post card is judged. When said abnormal condition is detected, ajam signal is given forth upon receipt of the coincidence signal r Therewill now be further detailed by reference to the flow chart of FIG. 4the operation of the written material-classifying apparatus of thisinvention. The moment the subject apparatus is started, the memorydevice 13 (FIG. 2) for controlling the transportation of, for example, apost card has all data in the register 28 of FIG. 2 cleared (step a). inthis case, it is examined whether the post card-classifying apparatus asa whole is fully operated for transportation of the post card (step b).Unless the apparatus has fully started operation, the apparatus isstopped. Data on the classification code 3, for example, 241 of a postcard read out by the readout device 2 is converted into apocketdesignating code signal 6 by the code converter 5. One of aplurality of sections of storing registers 28 constituting a memorydevice 13 is read out by the address counter 30 (step c). it is examinedwhether the storing subsection 28a of said storing section 28 is alreadystored with a busy signal 1" (step d). Unless the busy signal l" is notwritten (NO condition), the storing section 28 can be used with a freshpost card whose classification code has been read out. It is decidedwhether an input-ON signal 36c is in the ON condition. Further, it isexamined whether the classification code of a post card has beenproperly read out by the readout device 2, and the discrimination flipflop circuit 37 is set by a timing control signal 36a transported fromthe readout device 2 (step e). if the flip-flop circuit 37 is not setdue to the improper reading of the classification code of the post card,then the address counter 30 makes one more count to read out anotherstoring register 28 bearing an address following that ofthe precedingregister 28 already read out (step it). Where, in this case, thediscrimination flip-flop circuit 37 is set and the input point-ON signal360 is in the ON condition, fresh data on the post card whoseclassification code has just been read out is written in a register 28which is not stored with the busy signal I." Namely, the storingsubsection 28a is stored with the busy signal I;" the storing subsection28b with apocket designating code signal denoting the just read out postcard through the pocket-designating code signal register 34', thestoring subsection 28(- with the current position code signal of thepost card corresponding to the input point or the initial detector P andthe storing subsection 28d with a signal indicating a zero time count(step f). After completion of the step f, the address counter 30 makesone more count, as described with respect to the step it, to read outthe succeeding storing register 28.

Where it is found that the register 28 read out by the step d hasalready been stored with the busy signal l (YES condition), then thetime counter makes one more count to increase the time count stored inthe storing subsection 28d by one count (step 3). Comparison is made bythe code signal comparator 18 between a pocket-designating code signaldelivered from the storing subsection 28b to the pocket-designating codesignal register 34 and a current position code signal supplied from thestoring subsection 28c to the current position code signal register 43(step Ir). Where coincidence is detected to exist between both codesignals, it indicates that the post card is brought up to a detectordisposed immediately before the designated pocket. Consequently, it isexamined whether the time counter indicates a count of T (step 1'). Inthis case, the corresponding one ofthe flip-flop circuits 53 is set by asignal :3 through the AND gate 52 (stepj). The resultant output signalfrom the flip-flop circuit 53 opens the gate G of the designated pocketM (FIG. 2) to guide the post card thereinto. In this case. the register28 associated with the received post card is stored with the data readout in the aforesaid step c (step 1).

Even when the time count indicated by the time counter 60 neither equalsT nor amounts to T the register 28 is stored with the data read out inthe step c (NO condition in step k). When the time counter 60 makes atime count equal to T (YES condition in step It), then the previouslyset flip-flop circuit 53 is reset by a signal :4 through an AND circuit54 to close the gate previously opened by designation in step] (step mAt this time, all data stored in the register 28 in connection with thereceived post card is cleared (step n).

When the code signal comparator 18 generates a noncoincidence signalshowing that the current position code signal does not coincide with thepocketdesignating code signal (NO condition in step I: then it ischecked whether a time count indicated by the time counter 60 liesbetween T and T namely, whether a post card traveled through a distancebetween any two adjacent detectors 9 in a prescribed length of time (0condition). If this is the case, it is examined whether the circuit 56for generating current position-ON and next position-ON signals producedthe next position-ON signal 44a (step p). Unless said signal 440 is notgiven forth (NO condition in step p), data read out from the storingsubsection 281' is again written therein (step q). Where the nextposition-ON signal 44:: is generated (YES condition in step p). thennext position current code signal from the next position code signalgenerator 46 is written in the memory subsection 280 through the OR gatecircuit 47 to indicate the second current position of the post card. Atthis time, the storing subsection 28d is stored with a time count ofzero (step r). The busy signal and pocketdesignating code signal whichwere read out are written in the storing subsections 28a and 28brespectively.

Where the time counter 60 shows a count falling outside o f a prescribedrange of T, to T (N0 condition in step 0), then the reject code signalgenerator 42 supplies a reject code signal to the storing subsection 28cthrough the AND gate circuit 32b, OR gate circuit 33a andpocket-designating code signal register 34. At this time the otherstoring subsections than 28c are again stored with the data just readout (step s). Where the time counter 60 makes a larger time count thanthe referential length of time T (YES condition in step I). it indicatesthat a given card was arrested long somewhere on the passageway.Accordingly, a jam signal :5 denoting the occurrence of an abnormalcondition is given forth to stop the classifying apparatus. Where thetime counter 60 makes a smaller time count than T (N0 condition in stepI), then it can be judged that a post card did not stand at rest forlong anywhere on the passageway. but was transported under a normalcondition. Therefore, the address counter 30 makes one more count readyto read out a register 28 bearing the succeeding address (step u l.

The flow chart of HO. 4 relates to the case where scanning was carriedout by the shift control circuit 17 (FIG 2) with respect to one of the32 memory registers 28. Obviously, said scanning is practically made ofall these registers 28 in turn. Scanning of any ofthe 32 registers iscyclically carried out in a time of l millisecond. HO. 3 presents acircuit arrangement associated with the case where scanning is made ofone of the 32 registers 28 provided on a rotating drum. It will beunderstood that the other registers 28 stored with different datareplace the register 28 of FIG. 3 in turn when designated by the addresscounter 30.

Referential time lengths should be set in the time comparater 58 suchthat clear distinction can be made among the normal range of timelengths required for a post card to be transported through a distancebetween any two adjacent detectors; a length of time consumed by a givenpost card in traveling through said distance in a state partlyoverlapping another card running on the passageway at the same time; anda length of time a given card is arrested somewhere between any twoadjacent detectors What we claim is:

I. An apparatus for classifying sheetlike written material designed totransport a series of written pieces one by one on a passageway andreceive a particular written piece in the designated one of a pluralityof pockets provided along the passageway which corresponds to theclassification code of the written piece. characterized in that theapparatus comprises means for reading out the classification code of awritten piece and supplying a pocket designating code signal designatingthe pocket in which the written piece is to be received; means forsupplying a current position code signal of a traveling written piecewhich means comprises a plurality of detectors disposed along thepassageway and including those corresponding to each ofthe pockets andsupplies the current position code signal when the traveling writtenpiece passes through the detectors; a time-counting device for countinga length of time required for a transported written piece to cover adistance between any two adjacent detectors; a memory device includingat least as many storing sections as a plurality of writtenpiecesjointly traveling on the passageway at a given time, each of saidstoring sections being stored with a pocket-designating code signal designating a pocket associated with a given traveling written piece, dataon the current position thereof and data on a length of time counted bythe time-counting device; means for replacing the preceding time countof the time-counting device stored in the storing section by anothertime count freshly obtained thereby as a traveling written piece passesthrough a distance between any two succeeding adjacent detectors; meansfor detecting whether the time count stored in the storing section lieswithin a prescribed range and, in that case, replacing data on the firstcurrent position of a written piece already stored in the storingsection by data on the second current position of the written piececorresponding to a detector following that associated with the firstcurrent position of the written piece; means for comparing thepocket-designating data with data on the second current position of awritten piece and, when a predetermined coincidence is detected to existbetween both data, receiving the written piece in the designated pocket;and means for detecting whether a time count stored in the storingsection lies outside of a prescribed range, and in that case, takingproper measures to cope with the abnormal condition in which a writtenpiece was transported on the passageway.

2. A written material-classifying apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe means for supplying the pocketdesignating code comprises a readoutdevice for reading out the classification code indicated on the surfaceof a written piece and a first code signal converter for converting thereadout classification code signal into a prescribed pocket-designatingcode signal.

3. A written material-classifying apparatus according to claim 2 whereinthe first code signal converter comprises a memory device stored with aplurality ofdifferent classification codes for the same sequentialnumber of a given pocket, the different classification codes beingcorrespondent to the classification codes indicated on the surface ofwritten pieces; a code comparator for comparing the readout code of awritten piece with the different classification codes already stored inthe memory device; and a pocket-designating code signal generator forreading out the sequential number of a pocket associated by an outputcoincidence iignal from the code comparator and converting the readoutsequential number of the given pocket into a prescribedpocket-designating code signal.

4. A written material-classifying apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe means for supplying the current position code signal of a writtenpiece comprises a detector for generating a detection signal when atraveling written piece shuts off a light path; and a second code signalconverter for converting the detection signal into a prescribed currentcode signal denoting the current position of the traveling written piececorresponding to the associated detector.

5. A written piece-classifying apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthat of a plurality of storing sections constituting the memory devicewhich is stored with data on a given traveling written piece is furtherstored with a busy signal and after the written piece is received in thedesignated pocket, has the stored busy signal cleared together withother stored data, and is rendered ready to be used with anothertraveling written piece.

1. An apparatus for classifying sheet-like written material designed totransport a series of written pieces one by one on a passageway andreceive a particular written piece in the designated one of a pluralityof pockets provided along the passageway which corresponds to theclassification code of the written piece, characterized in that theapparatus comprises means for reading out the classification code of awritten piece and supplying a pocket designating code signal designatingthe pocket in which the written piece is to be received; means forsupplying a current position code signal of a traveling written piecewhich means comprises a plurality of detectors disposed along thepassageway and including those corresponding to each of the pockets andsupplies the current position code signal when the traveling writtenpiece passes through the detectors; a timecounting device for counting alength of time required for a transported written piece to cover adistance between any two adjacent detectors; a memory device includingat least as many storing sections as a plurality of written piecesjointly traveling on the passageway at a given time, each of saidstoring sections being stored with a pocket-designating code signaldesignating a pocket associated with a given traveling written piece,data on the current position thereof and data on a length of timecounted by the time-counting device; means for replacing the precedingtime count of the time-counting device stored in the storing section byanother time count freshly obtained thereby as a traveling written piecepasses through a distance between any two succeeding adjacent detectors;means for detecting whether the time count stored in the storing sectionlies within a prescribed range and, in that case, replacing data on thefirst current position of a written piece already stored in the storingsection by data on the second current position of the written piececorresponding to a detector following that associated with the firstcurrent position of the written piece; means for comparing thepocket-designating data with data on the second current position of awritten piece and, when a predetermined coincidence is detected to existbetween both data, receiving the written piece in the designated pocket;and means for detecting whether a time count stored in the storingsection lies outside of a prescribed range, and in that case, takingproper measures to cope with the abnormal condition in which a writtenpiece was transported on the passageway.
 2. A writtenmaterial-classifying apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the meansfor supplying the pocket-designating code comprises a readout device forreading out the classification code indicated on the surface of awritten piece and a first code signal converter for converting thereadout classification code signal into a prescribed pocket-designatingcode signal.
 3. A written material-classifying apparatus according toclaim 2 wherein the first code signal converter comprises a memorydevice stored with a plurality of different classification codes for thesame sequential number of a given pocket, the different classificationcodes being correspondent to the classification codes indicated on thesurface of written pieces; a code comparator for comparing the readoutcode of a written piece with the different classification codes alreadystored in the memory device; and a pocket-designating code signalgenerator for reading out the sequential number of a pocket associatedby an output coincidence iignal from the code comparator and convertingthe readout sequential number of the given pocket into a prescribedpocket-designating code signal.
 4. A written material-classifyingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for supplying thecurrent position code signal of a written piece comprises a detector forgenerating a detection signal when a traveling written piece shuts off alight path; and a second code signal converter for converting thedetection signal into a prescribed current code signal denoting thecurrent position of the traveling written piece corresponding to theassociated detector.
 5. A written piece-classifying apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein that of a plurality of storing sections constitutingthe memory device which is stored with data on a given traveling writtenpiece is further stored with a busy signal and, after the written pieceis received in the designated pocket, has the stored busy signal clearedtogether with other stored data, and is rendered ready to be used withanother traveling written piece.